Chapter 613

Derelict Condition

Cameron and Cammy moved from abandoned building to abandoned building. Everything was in derelict condition. The structures were literally falling apart. The buildings appeared to have been abandoned for decades. Some appeared to be a century or more old.

Other than the fresh tire tracks from the barn, everything else looked like the place time forgot.

"It's amazing any of these structures are still here." Cameron said. "Wildfires should have claimed them decades ago."

It was Cammy's initial assessment as well.

"I expected to find a lot more vandalization as well as graffiti." Cammy said. "Someone has kept a watch over these buildings to prevent those things."

Cameron wondered about it. She saw the 'No Trespassing' sign when they started down the dirt road. There were actually two metal poles on either side of the dirt road where a chain could be placed across it to block access. The chain was unhooked. It made her wonder why. There were several different locks on it. It was usually for different agencies such as the County Fire Department, various utility companies, along with the property owner.

Was the chain taken down so the big rig with the crates could arrive? Was it left unhooked after the vehicles with the Grays and the Terminator arrived at the location in preparation for what the big truck would bring? Cammy was able to drive in because the chain wasn't up. She ignored the 'No Trespassing' sign.

Cameron thought about 'Myron Stark', the Terminator with the temporal error she battled before. What if Skynet sent other Terminators on purpose to watch over specific locations? She battled the Terminator identified as 'Carter' who was on a mission to obtain Coltan. It wasn't his job to terminate humans, it was his job to obtain resources.

"The more I look at, the less I like everything around here." Cameron said.

Cammy knew it was more than the dilapidated condition of the buildings.

"It looks like we're not left with many choices." Cammy said.

The search seemed to narrow everything down to what was first suspected. They wanted to take the other buildings out of the equation. There was nothing in them in their derelict condition. It left only one structure. The barn didn't appear to exhibit the same amount of sag or droop to its appearance as the other structures did.

"The barn has to be the key." Cameron said.

Cammy was on the lookout for any security devices. She didn't know how she was 'made' earlier. She didn't know if they would be discovered on foot, or if it needed a vehicle to tip someone off.

"I don't like it." Cammy said. "I haven't detected or spotted any surveillance equipment."

Cameron searched intently as well.

"I haven't either." Cameron said. "This all stems from the fresh tire tracks which were detected on the satellite photo."

Once Cameron and Cammy hiked in on foot, they reentered the jamming zone. So far what seemed to cause the problem wasn't spotted yet either.

"There's electronic equipment here somewhere. It's what's jamming our communications." Cammy said. "It was because of the fresh tire tracks I looked around the area in the first place, to follow up your lead."

They only ever encountered the jamming field at Skynet related targets previously. Normally the Resistance was the one doing the jamming. It was always something important to Skynet when it did the jamming.

Cammy only noticed the jamming field once she was pursued. Everything was normal up until then. The Grays expected to catch her and terminate her before she could alert anyone. Things worked out a little different than the Grays anticipated. It was doubtful they planned on a Terminator showing up. It was probably her appearance which misled them initially. They might have taken more drastic action if she was a male. She figured the Grays wanted to put the grab on her for their 'comfort bunk'.

Cameron felt justified in asking Cammy to do a 'drive by' earlier.

"My lead came from some of the captured phones we processed. They showed hits in this area as well. It's when I checked the satellite photos. I spotted the recent tire activity on the dirt road." Cameron said. "The close proximity of the high tension electrical transmission lines sparked my interest further. There is a lot of power passing through them. If Skynet could tap in and use the power, no one would know."

Cameron knew it was an unlimited source of power. Skynet could build anything with all the power. It might even construct one of the giant power cells she encountered in her future. She knew they could blow up with devastating results. If there was one there, she would help it blow up. She learned they were very unstable during the charging process.

Cameron and Cammy both moved around the barn with stealth. They used hand signals since their electronic communications were still jammed.

Cammy cautiously moved back away from part of the barn.

Cameron spotted her do it. It must mean she spotted something. She became extra alert. She moved to rejoin her.

"What is it?" Cameron asked quietly.

Cammy didn't like what she found. It reeked of Skynet or a sucker play.

"The barn is newly constructed." Cammy said. "It's designed and made to look like the other structures which were already here. It may even have replaced the original structure which was located here, with some modifications. It has been artificially aged and weathered."

Cameron moved forward. She saw some surveillance equipment hidden in the rafters and under the eves. She knew now she should have checked back a few years further with the historic satellite photos. Most likely the barn wasn't in them. Then again, it could be and it was replaced to hide what was really there. If it replaced the original barn, it was bound to be wired for more than the surveillance equipment. She understood the current threat for what it was.

"Whoever's monitoring these feeds knows their people all left in a hurry and never came back." Cameron said. "They probably have spotted us as well by now."

Cammy looked up at the sky. The threat could come from anywhere.

"Since nothing else has happened, I'd have to anticipate a drone strike on our location or reinforcements will soon arrive." Cammy said. "Or both of those things will happen."

Cameron figured they were burned already. Maybe it was time to stir up the ant hill and see what happened.

"We've already most likely been spotted. Let's take out these cameras." Cameron said. "It will blind them and hopefully provoke some type of reaction."

Cameron and Cammy moved around the barn. They tore down all the surveillance equipment. It also gave them a further detailed look at the barn.

"The side wall with the extension on it is right up against the hillside." Cammy said. "It doesn't make any sense for a structure of this type and its original form. It could have major significance in its current form as part of the building's disguise."

Cameron thought about some of her past outings in mines. They weren't usually a one entrance affair if they were a viable mine. Sometimes the area would be probed from several other spots to speed further discovery of whatever mineral they were after. If there was a lot of valuable ore in a different location, it often made more sense to make a second opening closer to where it was located. It made its removal much easier.

"I bet it's where the former main entrance to the mine is located." Cameron said. "At least one of the entrances is there. Some of the old large mines could have more than one entrance and several ventilation shafts. There could have been a dozen ways in or out when this mine was at full capacity. Usually only one or two of the routes would be of large size for the transportation of the ore."

Cameron and Cammy moved to the side wall and began to search. They soon found something of interest.

The choices they made next were going to become very important going forward.

Cameron found a small hidden control panel behind the wood of the 'wall'. It was most likely the control of the way into the mine. The new discovery was a game changer and confirmed what they suspected. The rest of the team needed to know.

"One of us needs to go back and relay the information." Cameron said.

They both knew it wouldn't be Cameron.

Cammy didn't like the sudden turn of events. Cameron would be able to do what she wanted in the first place.

"If we can open it, you shouldn't go in alone." Cammy said.

They both knew Cameron would go in anyway.

Cameron scanned the 'wall' in detail.

"Since we have no communications we need to get this information out." Cameron said. "This whole section of the 'wall' is movable."

Cammy saw the threat for what it was. Since this all appeared to be part of the same group, it was known they possessed HK equipment of various types. They already encountered some of them. It was a close encounter for Cameron and her when they did. Savannah helped them neutralize the threat.

"It leads to the old mine and probably several shafts." Cammy said. "There may be HK Tracks waiting…."

Cameron reached for the control panel.

"There's only one way to find out." Cameron said.

Cammy was pretty sure it was the wrong way to find out. HK Tracks and HK drones weren't the only threat to consider. The recent episode with Savannah and Young Allison was proof of it.

"There may be Terminators as well." Cammy said. "I should say there may be more Terminators."

Cameron hoped to have an escape plan put into effect retroactively. It might have a few kinks to it. She wasn't sure how it would play out if she needed to use it. It might be a little more complicated than she anticipated.

"I'll watch for an energy bubble." Cameron said. "Have it covered with weapons for my return if it's needed. I may have a few 'riders' who try to come with me."

Cammy knew a temporal extraction could be a dicey proposition. Things could happen or go wrong. Cameron was unable to transfer before because of damage. Savannah was the one who got her out. Future Allison and her were there as well. When John first went into the alternate future with Mrs. Weaver, Cameron's chassis didn't transfer then either.

"What if you're damaged?" Cammy asked.

Cameron looked around.

"I don't see an energy bubble now." Cameron said. "I must make it."

They both knew if everyone there perished, there wouldn't be an energy bubble.

Cammy needed to see what happened before she left to spread the word. She would also be able to assist Cameron to fight their way out if there was a 'reception committee' waiting for them. She didn't think she was going to be able to do anything to stop Cameron from what she wanted to do. She could only try to make the best of the current situation.

"I'll stay until you enter." Cammy said. "Then I'll leave and go bring more help."

Cameron broke open the keypad and readjusted some wires. She pushed 'Enter' and a section of the 'barn wall' opened.

Cammy and Cameron separated from each other in case there was shooting. It split the targets for the enemy so they couldn't concentrate their gunfire in one area. They both held weapons ready, but there was no 'reception committee' waiting.

Cameron was a little worried there was no 'challenge' of any sort. They waited for a little while longer to see if anyone would do anything.

"Something is off here." Cameron said. "We both know it shouldn't be this easy to gain entry into the mine."

Cammy needed to agree.

"I was chased and shot at, just for being on the outside of this area." Cammy said. "I never even got out of my vehicle before the action started."

Cameron wanted to get started. Cammy needed to go back and alert the others as to what she discovered. She also knew how to enter the area since they modified the device which opened the covering over the mine entrance. Perhaps the reception committee wouldn't come from within the mine.

"Keep a lookout for hostile HK drones." Cameron said. "It might be what is sent instead."

Cammy took one more look around. She needed to pass the word.

"I'll be back." Cammy said and departed.

Cammy took off running at her maximum speed.

She knew it was a bad idea. Savannah wasn't going to be happy about the latest development.

Cameron took one last look around and then entered the unknown. She wanted to scout the area out a little bit before the reinforcements arrived. She might find something of significance or be able to terminate a threat. She didn't know exactly what she would find. She did know she would find trouble.

Down the rabbit hole she went.

Previously:

Savannah was in the SUV with Steve. It was going to take her longer to get back to the target area this way. She hoped Cameron would wait like she said she would. She doubted it would happen. She took one last look back at the Young residence before they turned off of the street.

She really wondered if she would ever see the house or any of the girls again. There was a feeling of dread which nagged at her. She loved everyone in the house. She shared with Allison and Claire as well as Hanna and Holly. She felt she jumped the gun and left Young Allison behind. She knew Young Allison and her would be together right now if she hadn't been given the opportunity to be with everyone.

Why was she hesitant to share with Young Allison? What was she waiting for? She knew what it was like to be her age and want more. She was given the opportunity for more and she took it. Whose life was she actually worried about changing? Was it Young Allison's life, or her life? Was she so greedy she didn't want to give up what she could already do? She was able to have everyone she wanted, while Young Allison didn't have anyone.

Savannah rode back towards the old mine location with Steve. She was aware releasing the Blackhawk earlier allowed more Terminators to be quickly taken to the location. She wanted all the real help there they could get. They needed to keep anyone else out of the area, clean up the mess, and plan for an assault. She looked over at Steve.

"I'm sorry to take you away from your duties." Savannah said. "I appreciate you going with me."

Savannah could have taken an SUV herself and went on her own. She knew it would cause bigger problems for everyone else if she did. As long as there was a Terminator with her, there wouldn't be any problems, on several levels.

Steve liked to do other things. 'Guard' duty could get boring. They always needed to be vigilant to protect Young Allison and Summer. They would try to protect Allison and Claire as well if they could. They weren't their priority. There were two female Terminators who were tasked with the mission.

He was a little surprised how one version of the same individual was considered more important than the other version. They were the same person from different time periods. It was the only difference between them. Maybe now wasn't a good time to ask why.

"I look forward to getting out." Steve said.

Savannah knew Cameron wouldn't wait forever. They needed to hurry, but they also needed to arrive safely. If they cut too many corners it could prove fatal to her. Accidents happened.

"We need to hurry but drive safely as well." Savannah said. "It's not your driving ability I'm worried about. We both know most of the people don't know how to drive properly."

Savannah could tell he wanted to talk about something. She tried to 'trouble shoot' any problems the Terminators experienced. It seemed to be something they all appreciated. They also seemed more willing to speak with her about a grievance. She always followed through on everything. She tried to resolve things to make everyone satisfied. She felt it was something very important.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Savannah asked. "If there's an issue I'll address it. I've told all our team members before if there's any problem to come to me. I'll try to resolve it."

Steve did know of her concern and just treatment. There were very few problems and Savannah always did resolve them. While most others were indifferent to them, she was not.

"No, there is no problem." Steve said.

Savannah could sense some hesitation.

There was only silence.

She decided to prompt him.

"But...?" Savannah asked.

Much to her surprise he started to talk.

"I've seen what you've done for Cameron and Cammy." Steve said.

He paused and seemed still a little unsure how to go on.

Savannah wanted to set things straight.

"It's what I would do for anyone." Savannah said. "I've only done what I needed to do, when it needed to be done. Young Allison did the same thing for me less than an hour ago."

Steve looked over at her to see if she was joking. She wasn't. He was very proud to be a part of Young Allison's development. The statement from Savannah expanded his respect for the girls.

"I've watched her train. She's remarkable." Steve said. "Cameron's making a human version of herself with Young Allison."

Savannah knew it. It was the only way Cameron could be 'human'. There was little she could do about it. She knew Young Allison would be better protected this way if nothing else. She knew that there was no way to stop Cameron from completing her mission. It was programmed deep within her.

Steve looked at Savannah and then back at the road.

"You're even more skilled." Steve said.

Savannah saw herself as more of the prototype. Young Allison would be the refined finished product of Cameron's attempts to create the perfect human or a human version of herself. She knew the accidental discovery of River changed Cameron's trajectory some. It was a level of human perfection she couldn't do in the present or even her future. It would need to be done in River's future. Everyone prevented Cameron from doing it.

She wondered if Cameron didn't run an 'end game' around all of them and create Summer in River's future and have her implanted into Claire to carry as her own child. There was always speculation Summer was River, River's offspring, River's sibling, or even a clone. She didn't know what the technology from River's future offered. It was possible Cameron was guilty of 'time napping' Summer. Cameron always maintained she hadn't done anything like it - yet. Her statement left open the possibility Cameron could still do it in a further future. Another version of Cameron may have done it too. Duplicate Cameron and Metal Summer were both in River's future. Having two Terminators there in River's future left open a lot of possibilities. They both ran Cameron's program. She needed to refocus.

Savannah knew she didn't want her mind to think about what was going to happen when she arrived back at the remote location. She was going to need to face whatever it was. She knew it was going to be something different this time. She wanted to think about something else. She wanted to talk about a past event which involved Cameron. Steve was a part of it with Tom.

"I've reviewed all the reports from your temporal mission with Cameron into her future when she rescued Future Allison." Savannah said. "You helped bring Cameron back to us."

Steve now understood Savannah's earlier explanation. He did what any Terminator would have done under the same circumstances. It was what needed to be done, and he was there to help do it.

"I understand." Steve said. "Thank you for explaining."

She wanted to know more about the mission. She already knew the results. Future Allison was very special to her. It was another reason why she hadn't consummated her relationship with Young Allison.

"You also watched and helped transform Future Allison from a teenager into a much better trained and educated individual." Savannah said. "You assisted her to become a true Resistance fighter and leader."

Steve was impressed how Cameron was able to transform Future Allison. Future Allison seemed very confused and lost at first. Cameron needed to reassure her continuously she wasn't going to terminate her. There were times when Future Allison 'escaped'. She wasn't a prisoner. She was in protective custody. They needed to physically carry her back. She was very upset and called them all types of different names. Things settled down quickly enough and a transformation soon followed.

"It was remarkable." Steve said. "Cameron helped her so much with everything. Future Allison exceeded all our expectations. As have you and Young Allison."

Savannah wanted him to understand they were all still developing and growing. It wasn't just Cameron and the girls she assisted. It was the cyborgs who were part of the Resistance.

"Haven't all our Terminators and Restorators grown beyond their basic programming?" Savannah asked. "Look how dynamic you've become. The point is, we're all 'growing and expanding' with each day. None of us has reached our full potential, not even Cameron."

They both wore their coms and received information from John Henry.

Cameron and Cammy went down to the target area to see what they could find or what was being hidden. It was supposed to be a recon on foot.

There hadn't been any additional enemy contact. No reinforcements or hostile HK drones were spotted.

Steve could see the look of concern on Savannah's face. He knew Savannah risked her life for Cameron and would do so again. He hoped it wouldn't be today.

"We'll be there soon." Steve said. "I know you're worried about her."

Savannah worried about all of them. She just needed to worry about some more than others. There were a lot of things to worry about. The future was fluid. It could change quickly.

"I'm worried about Cameron, Cammy, AND everyone else too." Savannah said.

Steve wanted to assist Savannah. He didn't like her to be the only human there. It was very dangerous for her.

"I'll accompany you to join them in battle." Steve said.

Savannah appreciated the offer. There were others he needed to be attended to.

"Once we're there and you let me off, you need to return to protect Young Allison." Savannah said. "I do appreciate you looking out for me. I want you to understand the job you do watching over them, especially Young Allison, is very important to me. I want you to know you're entrusted with the protection of what is the most precious thing to me. It is Young Allison."

Steve realized how important a task it was he actually did. It wasn't a burden to be assigned to the task, it was an honor. He knew it was important to Cameron. He could see how important it was to Savannah. With all the things she did to help Cameron it was the least they could do for Savannah.

Savannah reached over and touched Steve's cheek.

Steve knew Savannah was truly the 'Chosen One' if just her touch could spark such a reaction. He was touched many times, but there was just something about her touch….

It was a new sensation he felt as she did it. It was like an 'electric charge', even if there was no electricity. He wasn't sure how to describe it. He knew it was because it was Savannah. She was 'special' to him.

He remembered how Savannah, even as a girl, would always be kind and helpful to all his Terminator brethren. She treated everyone as equals and never looked down on any of them. He saw her calm and soothe Cameron and the other female Terminators, with only her touch. He watched her body and mind transform from a small girl into a beautiful young woman. He did know beauty when he saw it. He also understood not all beauty was physical appearance either.

"…Steve…?" Savannah asked.

Steve quickly replayed his files.

"Sorry, I was worried about Cameron and you and the upcoming operation." Steve said.

Savannah could tell she distracted him. She noticed it a lot, when she was around Terminators now. She wasn't quite sure why. Everything was the same about her as far as she knew. Maybe she would ask John Henry what she was doing 'wrong'. She asked Cammy before and was told it was because of everything she did 'right'. She didn't understand. She was the product of all those who raised her and guided her as she grew, both human and cyborg.

"We're approaching the outskirts of the operation now." Steve said.

Savannah didn't know what she was about to face. She was there now and the events would play out before her.

"Thank you for bringing me." Savannah said. "I appreciate it."

Steve didn't know what he 'felt'. He did know it was something.

"It was my pleasure." Steve said.

Savannah went to climb out, she turned and gave Steve a kiss on the cheek and gave his hand a squeeze.

"Please, watch over MY Allison for Cameron and me." Savannah said. "Oh, and John too…."

Steve knew something was different…. He watched Savannah check her weapons and ask for a situation report as she prepared for combat. The Terminators on station instantly rallied around her. It was impressive to watch. Savannah was impressive. She was truly the 'Chosen One'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I Can't Fix It

Don't push me away
I'm still worthy within
Quit shoving me
Into the trash bin

I don't know how to reach you
I can only do what I know
My devotion is a sure thing
Unlike playing a game of lotto

I'm trying so hard
To fix what is broken
You know my love is there
Even if the words are unspoken

To what I feel and believe
I cling and desperately grasp
That will never change
To my very last gasp

Stop punishing me
Your heart must acquit
Until you can do that
I can't fix it

Nobody